East Coast franchise

[deltabravo]

I know its a bit early, but who do we think will bid to operate the East Coast franchise?

If Virgin don't get West coast, will they even consider bidding for the East Coast franchise? Can we expect bids from state run companies in europe? (DB, SNCF, NS, Refe)

 

[route:oxford]

I know its a bit early, but who do we think will bid to operate the East Coast franchise?

If Virgin don't get West coast, will they even consider bidding for the East Coast franchise? Can we expect bids from state run companies in europe? (DB, SNCF, NS, Refe)

State run companies in Europe?

Could be Transport Scotland then?

 

[StrollerEd]

having just bought a Scottish Exec ticket, and been told that I dont get credited with the 'points' until "2 months and 1 day after the outward journey" will I suppose these "loyalty rewards" will be honored?

 

[shinkansen1966]

State run companies in Europe?

Arriva Trains Wales is state run. The German state, that is, via Deutsche Bahn.

 

[Masbroughlad]

I'd be very surprised if Virgin don't bid - regardless of outcome of West Coast.

I like the thought of Virgin East Coast (compared to the other options - but if it were possible :cry: give me original, Sea Containers GNER anyday!)

 

[ainsworth74]

I would expect we will see the usual suspects bidding for ICEC franchise namely Virgin (regardless of them retaining ICWC), First, Govia, Abellio (perhaps even Serco-Abellio) and DB. I'm not sure if NX will try to bid on ICEC seeing as it all went rather pear shaped last time they operated the franchise but you never know...

Out of those I would anticipate the most likely to win it would be (in no particular order) Virgin, First or DB.

 

[Greenback]

Personally, I think Arriva East Coast has a nice ring to it...(runs for cover)

 

[Yew]

If virgin had both coasts, the all three mainlines north would be ran by stagecoach. Within 1%.

 

[DarloRich]

British Rail

 

[YorkshireRider]

I'm not sure if NX will try to bid on ICEC seeing as it all went rather pear shaped last time they operated the franchise but you never know...

Haha, i dont even think they would have the nerve surely

 

[DarloRich]

Inter City?

 

[sonic2009]

How about this :

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen this is your Abellio East Coast Service to Edinburgh. A Bus company ... I'm running away now :P

 

[Nym]

GNER? Hehe

 

[mallard]

It'd be interesting to see a "new" operator on East Coast, maybe see what Govia could do with an Intercity franchise.

Virgin/Stagecoach would be quite unlikely to win, I think the Competition Commission would have something to say even if the DfT doesn't take such things into account.

 

[WatcherZero]

If Virgin lost the West Coast I would imagine they would bin, if they didnt then I imagine there will be a few quiet words in the ear not to bother bidding.

 

[Simon11]

Virgin will de be going for the east coast.

While you may think that east and west coast are similar, there isnt much competition.

The only toc virign saw as competiton was chiltern and london midlands.

Unless your bonkers most people from london to edin/glas would take the train that didn't involve switching.

 

[bladesman123]

DB gets my vote

 

[Aictos]

What about ASLEF as they were rumoured to be interested in bidding for the franchise.

 

[Yew]

It'd be interesting to see a "new" operator on East Coast, maybe see what Govia could do with an Intercity franchise.

Virgin/Stagecoach would be quite unlikely to win, I think the Competition Commission would have something to say even if the DfT doesn't take such things into account.

Waitt, arent the bids anonymous, so the DFT coulkd choose Virgin or Stagecoach without realising

 

[mralexn]

Personally, I think Arriva East Coast has a nice ring to it...(runs for cover)

i can imagine it now..

No free stuff in first class,
No Cheap advance fares,
and maybe a lovely (if they used their current stock) 150 from Inverness to london :P

 

[Greenback]

i can imagine it now..

No free stuff in first class,
No Cheap advance fares,
and maybe a lovely (if they used their current stock) 150 from Inverness to london :P

Nah, 2 x 153 and a Pacer!

Actually, no free stuff is good, as long as there is a good selection of quality food and drink for purchase.

No Advance fares is also good, as long as there are much cheaper walk on fares instead

 

[mallard]

Waitt, arent the bids anonymous, so the DFT coulkd choose Virgin or Stagecoach without realising

That's why I mentioned the Competition Commission, I'd expect them to block the DfT from giving Stagecoach a near monopoly on north of London Intercity routes.

 

[Aictos]

As to First Capital Connect, one interested party to run the franchise after September 2013 is a current InterCity operator - any guesses on who it might be, you might be surprised!

As First has the Capital Connect franchise finishing in September 2013, if they don't re-bid for it's replacement then there's no reason why it couldn't be successful for the InterCity East Coast franchise.

 

[Morgsie]

As to First Capital Connect, one interested party to run the franchise after September 2013 is a current InterCity operator - any guesses on who it might be, you might be surprised!

As First has the Capital Connect franchise finishing in September 2013, if they don't re-bid for it's replacement then there's no reason why it couldn't be successful for the InterCity East Coast franchise.

Talking about First bidding for the ICEC franchise, First also operate the Greater Western franchise which also expires in 2013. If First do not retain the Greater Western franchise, then First might bid.

 

[317 forever]

I thought First could win East Coast if they lose Great Western. However, as First run local services out of London King's Cross and Edinburgh, as well as Hull Trains, I doubt First could win East Coast after all.

There was a rumour a couple of months ago that East Coast could merge with Cross Country, but this seems to have been averted now.

 

[150222]

Crosscountry was as good as merged with the west coast franchise for 11 years. It could work.

 

[TheMysticEgg]

What about Alliance Rail Holdings?

 

[ainsworth74]

What about Alliance Rail Holdings?

Would they have the financial muscle to bid on a franchise like ICEC? It isn't cheap...

Also they've always seemed more interested in setting up their own OAO rather than bidding for a franchised TOC so wouldn't it be quite a change in policy for them?

 

[TheMysticEgg]

Would they have the financial muscle to bid on a franchise like ICEC? It isn't cheap...

Also they've always seemed more interested in setting up their own OAO rather than bidding for a franchised TOC so wouldn't it be quite a change in policy for them?

Don't kill me for quoting wikipedia but it says ARH plan to overtake both ICEC and Virgin's franchises when they expire in 2013. I don't trust the article though as why would ARH be ordering new Polaris stock if the Pendos will run strong on the WCML for another 30 yrs and the ECML is due for IEP. Is there any other clearer and trustworthy info on ARH's aims? Can't remember there being anything about them being an OAO on wikipedia.

EDIT: Just read ARH's website, nothing about taking over the two franchises and indeed as ainsworth said they plan to run as an OAO.

 

[AlterEgo]

Don't kill me for quoting wikipedia but it says ARH plan to overtake both ICEC and Virgin's franchises when they expire in 2013.

That might be difficult as they aren't even a shortlisted bidder for ICWC!